Premier League Clubs Face AFCON Absences: Who Will Suffer Most?

Premier League clubs brace for Africa Cup of Nations impact

Premier League clubs are preparing for significant disruption as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) returns this December and January. The timing of AFCON, one of the world’s most prestigious international tournaments, often means Premier League teams lose key players during a crucial part of their season. This year, the absence of several top talents could define the fortunes of clubs both at the top and bottom of the table.

Which Premier League clubs will be hit hardest by AFCON?

While only Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United will avoid losing players to AFCON, the rest of the Premier League faces varying degrees of challenge. Some clubs, such as Sunderland and Manchester United, are set to suffer more than others. For more news on the evolving AFCON impact, visit for more news.

Sunderland’s test of depth

Sunderland, newly promoted and exceeding expectations, is set to lose as many as seven key players, including Chemsdine Talbi and Noah Sadiki. Their absence could pose a massive test to Sunderland’s European ambitions, especially as head coach Regis Le Bris will have to navigate a crowded fixture list without several first-team regulars.

Manchester United’s right side decimated

Manchester United will be without Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Cote d’Ivoire), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), essentially stripping the whole right flank of their starting lineup. Manager Ruben Amorim must find solutions fast to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.

Wolves and Fulham facing squad shortages

Wolves could lose up to five players, including Marshall Munetsi and Tolu Arokodare, severely impacting their squad depth during a relegation battle. Fulham will be without three Nigerian internationals—Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze—further complicating their fight to avoid the drop.

Liverpool and other clubs with key AFCON absentees

Liverpool will be hit hard by the departure of Mohamed Salah (Egypt), arguably the most impactful single-player absence in the league. While Salah’s form has dipped, his influence remains critical for the Reds, and manager Jurgen Klopp will need to experiment with attacking options in his absence.

West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Everton are also set to lose a trio of important names each. Crystal Palace, with Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) among four potential call-ups, risk over-stretching their already thin squad as they juggle European and domestic commitments.

Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and Brentford also in the spotlight

Burnley must cope without Lyle Foster (South Africa), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), and Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)—a blow across multiple positions. Nottingham Forest may see up to four players leave, including midfield anchor Ibrahim Sangare, which could hamper their battle against relegation and European ambitions. Brentford will lose Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso) and Frank Onyeka (Nigeria), key contributors in their midfield and attack.

How do the top clubs manage AFCON disruptions?

Manchester City, despite potentially losing Omar Marmoush (Egypt) and Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria), are well-placed to cope thanks to their exceptional squad depth. Similarly, Tottenham will miss Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) and possibly Yves Bissouma (Mali), but the overall squad quality should buffer the losses.

Bournemouth and Newcastle each lose just one player, but their smaller squads mean even a single absence—Amine Adli (Morocco) for Bournemouth and Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) for Newcastle—could be felt. Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand (Cote d’Ivoire) has struggled to make an impact, meaning Villa should cope well in his absence.

Who could benefit from AFCON opportunities?

For some players, AFCON presents a unique chance. Everton’s Adam Aznou (Morocco) could use the tournament to gain valuable minutes, potentially returning in better form for club duties. Others, like Brighton’s Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), will be missed due to their potential and importance, especially as Brighton look to maintain momentum in the league.

Opinion: AFCON’s timing remains a Premier League headache

The Africa Cup of Nations, while a showcase of footballing talent and continental pride, consistently challenges Premier League clubs by stripping them of key assets during the toughest winter fixtures. While the depth of top sides like Manchester City and Tottenham can soften the blow, clubs fighting for survival or pushing for surprise European places, such as Sunderland and Wolves, face a much more daunting prospect. The resilience and adaptability of managers will be tested as they juggle depleted squads and demanding schedules. Ultimately, AFCON is a reminder of football’s truly global nature—an element that brings both excitement and logistical headaches to the world’s biggest leagues.